If you recall little more about a student than the recorded grades. If you feel that you cannot be emphatically positive in support of a student. If the student asks too close to the deadline or approaches you in a highly unprofessional manner (We advise students to ask for letters no less than three weeks in advance of a deadline.) There may be times when declining to write a letter is the best thing to do, such as: Letters should be honest - and honest criticism, if generously presented, can enhance the force of a letter - but committees take critical comments very seriously. Letters that may be read as implying criticism (beware of left-handed compliments) or whose criticisms might be taken to indicate stronger reservations than stated. ![]() Letters that consist largely of unsupported praise and fail to provide specific examples of points mentioned or generic letters sent without regard to the specific fellowship, course of study, or project proposed. On the whole, the following are not helpful: Tip: Think about how your letter of recommendation might help shape an interview with the fellowship committee. If not, say no (see below.)Īvoiding Racial Bias in Letter of Reference WritingĪvoiding Gender Bias in Letter of Reference Writing Consider whether you can dedicate the time and energy to writing a detailed letter. These can be helpful guides as you craft your recommendation.īe aware of bias in letter writing (avoid gendered language, racial stereotypes)īe honest with yourself. Letters from professors may also draw on the comments from teaching assistants who may have worked more closely with the applicants.Īsk a student to send you a current resume and relevant application materials and have a conversation with the student about what to highlight. Quantitative remarks and percentages may be useful: "among the three best students I have taught." The strongest comparisons have the widest reach: "top 5% of students in my 20 years of teaching" is stronger than "the best in his section."ĭraw on the remarks of colleagues for supporting evidence or the acknowledgement of specific strengths. If possible, the student can be compared to graduate students or professionals. Positive impact the fellowship would have on the student's short- or long-term goals and overall educational trajectory.Place the student in a larger context: e.g., a letter could compare the present applicant to past applicants/winners. Merits of the proposed research project, course of study, internship, etc. Please feel free to contact me at the phone number or email listed here if you would like more information about Jefferson’s solid and admirable performance history with our firm.Provide specific information about the applicant based on your first-hand knowledge, such as:Įxamples of what the applicant has done (e.g., if the student wrote a brilliant paper, mention its topic and why it stood out). ![]() While we will sorely miss his organizational talents, leadership skills, abundant energy, and cheerful and witty demeanor, we know that he will prove himself to be a splendid and productive addition to your legal team. I highly recommend Jefferson Adams to your firm. He instills confidence in our clients and skillfully negotiates court and meeting dates with opposing counsel. ![]() A highly analytical thinker and excellent writer, he is adept in legal research and writing, all phases of trial preparation, and e-filing. Jefferson possesses a firm command of the processes required for the successful practice of personal injury law. Within two weeks, he had brought a backlog of case files and chronologies up to date while at the same time ensuring that all court filing deadlines were met well ahead of schedule. He really hit the ground running, using his paralegal training to assume and manage a heavy caseload inherited from his predecessor. Jefferson came to us as a recent graduate of Middlesex County College’s ABA-accredited paralegal program. Since joining our law firm as a junior paralegal in 2008, Jefferson has been my “right hand.” Within three years of his initial hiring, he was promoted to senior paralegal and tasked with supervising a team of up to 10 paralegals and interns within a fast-paced, accuracy-critical environment. Our senior paralegal, Jefferson Adams, has asked me to write a letter of recommendation on his behalf, and I am more than happy to oblige. Sarah Donatelli Partner / Attorney Law Firm of Howard, Lewis, and Donatelli, LLC 340 Third Street, Suite #2 Hoboken, New Jersey 07030 (000) 123-1234 21, 2020
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